RARE  BOOKS 

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Early  Piety  recommended. 


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SERMON, 

PREACHED 

Lord's-day  Evening,  February  ift,    1778^ 

T   o 

Two  RELIGIOUS  SOCIETIES 

O    F 

YOUNG    MEN 

IK 

Lhrchejier. 

^'''  -ll.lii.L«.lli!^i..      S.  Ji.i. -'.Jl    I  _J.H    ..ii.JXJ-Jl.l' ^LUI.    I     .        .  ■■     --■^y^>^™>      "..-1    y       '       .■    I  -J  III   ■■!> 

By  Moses  Everett,  A.  M. 

Pastor  of  the   CHURCH    in  that  place* 
Publifhed  at  the  Requeft  of  tbe  Societies  and  others. 


Ihvi  thfm,  tkatlovcme,  and  thpfe  tkatfsck  me  early Jhalljind  me, 

Prov.  8, 17, 

Seek  yie  the  Lord  •while  he  may  hef^und,  call  ys  upon  him  -while  he  ie 
9ear»         Ihiah  ^i*  6. 


BOSTON: 

PUNTKDBY    DRAPER  AND  FOLSOM,  AT  THfilR  PSLIIil?^ 

XHgOffice,  at  thkCornek.  qf  fVintiT-Stri'if, 


;«. . 


^^:mms> 


NOVe    iM4 


v'^^ 


'*     'v,^^/    ^         sec     ■  ■■  3§(        "W    '  «-^ 

*      S^*3ec.    5^*)^    ^*5eC.  SK-«^    ^*^'     « 

A         ' 

S  E  R-  M  ON,     ^6v 

,    '  A.  ••■■'■ 

ir.  CHRO.NigLES,    XXXIV  chap.  3iv. 

■n.-'.-Whih  he  -was  yet  young,  he  began  tofeek  after 
the  God  of  David  his  Father.  '    " 

TH.  I  S  is  a  part  of  the  charaarer  of. 
Jofiah  King  of  Ifrael ;  and  a  higher 
coramendatiQn  could  not  have 
been  given  of  him.  He  engaged 
early  x,n  the  work  of  religion,  and  notwith- 
ftanding  he  was  the  fon  of  a  wicked  parent, 
andfo(as  we  may  fuppofc)  a  perfeft  ftranger  to 
thofe  pious  counfels, warnings  and  inftruaions, 
moft  necelTary  and  important  at  that  period  of 
lite,  atidbefides,  expofed  to  the  inflaence  oF 
the  evil  and  vicious  example  of  a  father,  his 
youth  was  devoted  to  the  fervice  of  God. 

In  the  eighth  year  of  his  age  he  was  advanced. 


C     6     j 

to  the  throne,  and  foon  after  began  to  dif^. 
tinguifli  himfelf,  by  his  piety,  and  zeal  for  the 
honor  of  the  God  of  David.  When  he  a^  about 
Jixteen  years  old,  or  in  the  eighth  year  of  his 
Keign  he*  began  to  feck  Goi— began  to  fliew  him-* 
felf  for  God,  and  to  difeovcr  his  difapprobation 
of,  and  averfion  to,  that  idolatry,  and  wic^ed^ 
nefs  which  Ifrael  in  general  had  run  into,  and 
in  a  confiderable  ineafure  tb;-o*  the  inttucncc 
of  thofe  wipked  Kings,  wha  preceded  him. 

In  the  twelfth  year,  we  are  toJd,  he  began  ra 
pirge  Jiuiah  and  Jcriifalem  from  the  high  f  laces ,  and 
the  groves,  and  the  i^arved  images^  afid  the  moJten 
images. -'-'Th^s.  he  w^s,  hent^  upon  fecking  and 
ferving  God  while  young,  notwithilanding  the 
prejudices  of  educatian  which  he  was  liable  to> 
and  all  the  endeavors  of  thofe  that  were  around 
him  to  corrupt  and  turn,  himi  frojjX;  the  way  of 
duty, — Here,  my  young  friends,,  is  a  laudable 
example  j  and  1  heartily  wifh  the  ^vent  rhay 
prove,  that  yau  think  it  for  your  honor  and 
intered,  to  levitate  the  fpirit  of  it.  You  arc 
furrounded  by  many  fnares  $nd  temptations^ 
you  live  in  a  world  where  fin  and  vice  are  pre- 
dominant— it  may  he  the  unhappinefa  of  fomc 
of  you  to  be  born  of  irreligious  and  vicioua 
parents,  as  it  was  of  the  pious  youth  fpoken  of 
in  the  text ;  and  fo  to  be  bred  and  nurtured,as^ 
it  were,  in  the  bofom  of  fin  :  (a  peculiar  un- 
happincfs  indeed)  But  notwithfianding,  by  the 
example  of  the  text  you  are  taught,  that  even 
in  fuch  a  eafe  you  may,  and  ought  while  young 
to  feek  the  Lord.  JFhile  he  "mas  yet  young,  h^ 
h^an  to  feck  after  the  God  of  David  his  fathi^<^ 


'  t    7    1 

My  dcijgo,  in  further  difcdUirfing  fco  yo\i 
from  thefe  words  is, 

id.  To  confidcr>  and  iUuftrate>  the  nature 
offccking  Gq4,  and  (hew  in  wl^t  ways,  Gg4 
cfpecially  requires  thofc  that  are  young  to  fcch 
\nm.  And^ 

ad.  To  meritiort  fome  confidcrations^  fiiitable 
and  proper  to  influence  and  engage  tbofe  who* 
are  young,  to  begin  the  work  oifceking  theLovd^ 
agreeable  to  the  example  of  the  text>  in  youths 

I.  I  may  endeavor  to  illuftrate  the  nature  of 
the  duty  recommended  in  the  text* 

Seeking  God,  m  general  Implies  ^  hearty  a,iicli 
intire  dcvotedtiefs  to  him^-'^a  diligent  Carean^ 
concern,  to  pleafe  him  by  a  fincere  and  con-? 
fcientious  obfervance  of  all  that  We  know  to 
be  his  wilK  He  that  is  properly  engaged  it^ 
the  work  of  feeking  the  Lord,  diligently  applies 
himfelf  to  the  praaicc  of  every  known  duty/ 
and  carefully  avoids  every  thing  that  \ie  kno\w% 
to  be  difpleafmg  and  offenfive  to  God.  Jofiah, 
in  the  text,  iifaid  to  begin  to  feek  God,  while 
young,  becaufc  he  early  difcovercd  a  regard 
for  the  laws  and  precepts  of  God,  and  an  abr 
iiorrence  of  that  idolatry  and  wickedneft,  with 
which  the  land  of  Ifrael  was  the^i  overfprea-d.-^ 
BicGaure  h^  early  manifefted  a  fmccre  and  diA 
intercftcd  regard  to  duty,  and  could  not  be 
led  afide  from  the  path  of  piety  and  virtu^^ 
by  all  the  allurements,  and  evil,  examples  of 
the  age  in  which  he  lived,  even  tfeofe  which^ 
were  moil  pqwerfuj,   and  by  which  |i^    was 


Mbft  ftrongly    bcfet,    as  fucceiTor    to  wicked 
and   idolatrous    Kings. 

Tofcek  Gody  in  a  word  is,  to  be  tfld^  reli'giqm : 
And  thofe  who  Would  be  found  feeking  God;» 
ivhile  youn^,  mull  apply  themrelves,  in  earncft 
to  the  work  of  rcligion-'-niake  it  their  concern  to 
get  pojfejfed.  afk  frincipie  cfgrace^,  and  perfia  ho  li- 
ne/} in  the  fear  of  the  Lord."-knd  from  a  finccrc 
and  ardent  love  to  God,  to  render  obedience 
to  all  his  laws.  .  ,  But  more  particularly,  ; 
.  ]^'  \to  feek  Gody  is  to  drive  wjth  care  and 
diligence,  after  a  proper  conception  of  him. 
'Till  we  have  attained  a  proper  knowledge  of 
God,^  we  can't  ferve  him  to  acceptance  :  'Tis 
^  rational  homage  that  he  requires  ;  and  how 
can  this  be  rendered  hiiH,  by  thofe  -who  ard 
ignorant  of  his  true  charafter,  or  dbn*t  enter- 
tain a  juft  ^nd  true  notion  of  him  ?  We  can't, 
indeed,  by  fearching  find  out  God,  ive  can't  find  out 
the  Almighty  unto  pi  efeBion  .—- *  We  can't  fully 
comprehend  his  nature  and  works  -yet  enough 
may  be  known  of  him,  to  convince  us,  that 
he  is  worthy  to  be  loved,  worQiipped,  and 
fervcd  by  his  rational  creatures  :  And  fuch  a 
knowledge  as  this,  it  becomes  all  to  drive  after  ; 
and  fuch  as  remain  deditute  of  it>  mud  be  in- 
excufable,  confidering  the  clear  difcoverics 
God  has  made  of  himfelf  in  his  word,  and 
works—and  can  by  no  means,  be  deferving 
of  the  charafter  of  fuch  as  2ire  feeking  God. —He 
that  Cometh  to  God,  muji  believe  that  he  is,  and  that 
he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  feek  him.  t 
•M"/7.  t  Heb.  ii,$. 


t:  9  1    _    . 

Thofe  who  are  youngj  would  they  he  num- 
bered widi  fuch,  as  are  feeking  God  aright^ 
knuft  ftudy  his  nature,  and  perfeftions— make 
it  theu'  care  to  get  acqiiainced  with  God,  in 
his  real  and  true  character  :— And  this  they 
will  rtever  do,  while  they  don't  habituate  them- 
felves  to  ferious  refleftidn,  and  confideration* 
A  due  knowledge  of  God  can't  be  attained  by 
them,  while  they  cherifli  vain  thoughts  and 
carnal  imaginations— while  their  minds  are 
taken  up,  and  employed  about  the  pleafures 
and  vanities  of  the  world;  When  this  is  the 
cafe  with  them,  God  is  not  in  all  thtir  thoughts. 
And  while  God  is  baniflied  from  their  minds,, 
Hvhile  they  don't  afford  themfelves  leifure^  or 
won't  interrupt  the  courfe  and  flow  of  their 
finful  and  vain  imaginations,  fo  much  as  evca 
to  think  of  God,  how  can  they  exped  to  attain, 
proper  conceptions  of  him  I  and  With  what 
propriety,    can  they  be  faid  to  Jeek  him  ? 

Moreover,  thofe  who  Would  obtain  the  cha- 
rafter  of  fuch  ?iS  feek  Gody  mud  diligently,  and 
fcrioufly^  conjtdt  his  -word-.  Herein  he  has  made 
a  moft  clear  difcbvery  of  himfelf  to  us  ;  and 
we  can  arrive  at  a  competent  knowledge  of 
God,  in  nd  other  way,  but  by  attending  to 
what  he  has  revealed,  and  recorded  of  himfelf, 
in  his  Avbrd,  Thofe  who  would  be  faid  to  be 
Jlfiviiig  aright  after  proper  conceptions,  and 
ideas  of  God*  muft  not  only  accuftom  tiiem- 
felves,  to  ferious  reflection  and  confederation  ; 
but  muft  habituate  themfelve  to    readings    and 

B 


meditating  upon    God's  holy  word,    with  the 
treated  care,    and  diligence.       Thofe  youth, 
Who    ncgled   the  fcripcures,   who   won't   give 
theinfclves  the  trouble,  of  daily  reading  therdn, 
and  pondering  the  facred  truths  which   they 
contain,  as  well  as  thofe  who  baniQi  all  ferious 
thoughts  from  their  minds,    and  who  fay  unto 
God,  depart  from  m,  we  defire  not  the  knoivlcdge 
vfthy  ivays,  cannot  bfe  faid  to   endeavor  aright 
after  a  juft  notion  and  apprehclifion  of  God, 
and  fo  may  not  be  numbered  with  thofe  who 
are  feeking  him  agreeable  to  the   example  of 
the  text.      Jollah,    was    one  who  made   it   his 
ftudy  to  know  God,  according  to  the  revelation 
he  had  given  of  himfelf— the  charge  of  David 
to  his  fon  Solomon    ^   is,    know  thou  the  God  of 
■thy  father, %s  well  as  fervc  him  with  aferfca  heart, 
Jind  it  is  indeed  the  iirft  thing  required  of  lis 
in  order  to  our  acceptance  with  God,  that  wc 
ilrive  to  hiow  him.      Until  wc    know    God  we 
muftfail  in  our  endeavours,  and   exp^dations 
to  pleafe  and  honour    him.      Indeed,  to   pre- 
tend to  ferve  an  unknown  God,  or  one  whofe 
real  charafter  we  are  ignorant  of,  and  a    due 
knowledge  of  which  we  don't  make  it  our  care 
and  ftudy  to    attain,  is    both  degrading,   and 
contradidory  in  the    charader  of  rational  be- 
ings. 

2.  ro  feek  G(?r/ aright,  is  to  feek  him  in  thfe 
^vay  oi  faith  in  his  fon>  the  only  mediator  be- 
tweeti  him  and  finners.  There  is  no  other 
means  by  which  we  may  expeft  to   obtain  the 

*  I  Chrcnj  iZ^  ^, 


[  ^I  1 

divine  acceptance,  and  be  intereftedin  the  love' 
of  God,  but  ahearty  acceptance  of  him,  whom 
he  hath  fa  forth  to  be  a  propitiation  for  the  fins  of 
the  worldy  thrd  faith  in  his  blood.  It  is  in  this 
way  alone  that  God  wijl  be  reconciled  to  us 
and  grant  us  his  favor.  Out  of  Chrift  God  is  a 
confuming/r^.  ^  There  is  no  Jecking  God  to 
any  good  purpofe  withoiat  believing  in  liis  foa 
Jcftis  Chrift.  He  will  be  found  of  none,  how- 
ever they  may  pretend  tofeek  him  with  zeal  and; 
earneftnefsy  who  are  not  found  iiiterefted  in  him 
by  faithv 

We  may  ftudy,  with  ever  fo  much  diligence, 
and  care,  to  get  acquainted  with  the  real 
perfections,  and  attributes  of  God,  we  may 
leek  with  the  clofeft  application  after  a  fpecii- 
lative  knowledge  of  him,  and  m^y  even  feek 
him,  in  a  way  of  external  obedience  to  him  ; 
and  yet  all  in  vai.n,un]efs  we  accept  of  theLord 
Jeius,  by  faith,.  Our  acceptance  of  Clirifl  by 
faith,  is  the  only  faundatioaon  which  we  can 
build  a  hope  of  obtaining  the  acceptance  and 
favor  af  God.--Of  confequence,  our  mod  di- 
ligent, and  ardent  eiideavours  to  ferve  God, 
while  we  are  unbelievers,  and  fo  have  no  in 
tereft  in  Chrift,  will  by  no  means,  entitle  usr. 
to  the  love  of  God,  and  fo  the  character  offuch 
as  are  fccking  him  aright  ;  for  all  who  aright 
feek  him  he  will  be  found  of.  He  hath  not  faid' 
to  the  feed  of  Jacob,  feek  k  my  face  in  vain.'\ 

Thofe  who  would,  according  to  the  exam- 
ple of  the  text  begin  ta  feek  theLord  while  )Oung^ 
^luft  make  it  their  early  and  firft  coaccra  x.^: 


.i     T  r   I 


t  ^^  1 

get  united  to  Chrl/t  by  a  gofpcl  faith--Receiya 
liiin  as  the  Lord  their   righteojijhej},.   and  depend 
on  his  merits,  alone  to  procure  theiii  the  divine 
acceptance  aad  favor.      And  this  is  wh^c  they 
have   the  greateft  cncQuragement  for  ;  Chriit 
is  ready  to  receive    and  enibrace  all  that  will 
come  unto  him,  of  whatever  age,  or  charafter. 
He  invites    finners  of  tlie  vileit  clafs,   >\ith  the 
greatefl  afibction    and    follicitude,    to  betake 
thcn:ifj]ves    unto    him,   and    partake  of  tbofe 
bleiiings  which   he    hath    purchafed   with  his 
blood,      Thafe  who  are  young  are  by  no  means 
excluded  from  the  oilers  of   his  gr?,ce,      It    is 
the  voice  of  wifdom,  i.  c.  of  Chriit,  I  love  them 
that  lov-e  me  and  tbafe  that  feck   me  earhj  fiall  findi 
me^.      And   for  the    encouragement    eveq  of 
little  children,    Chrilf  hath  faid,  Bring  them  urUo 
me,  for  offuch  is  the  kingio7n  cfGod.    f  i^  e,     even 
they  are  nqt  debarred  the  privileges  and  blcffings 
of  my  grace,      Chrift  is  pecviU^rly  pleafcd  with 
the  endeavors    of  thofc  thj^t    are  young    after 
an  interefl  in  his  grace,    and    the  blcffings  of 
his  pui chafe  ;    And  will  never  deny   them  to 
to  thofe  who  are  willing  to  fubmit  tQ  the  eafy 
and  equitable  terms  on   which    they  are  ten^ 
dered  and  offered,  and  lb  feek  them  in   a  pro.-.. 
per  manner.      The  neceilicy  of  faith  in  Chrift, 
in  order  to  yonr  Jeeking  God, /irighr,  need  then, 
be  no  difcouragement  in  your  way  •  this  may 
be    eafily  attained,  by  all  that  a^-e  difpofed  to 
accept  oi  the  gift  of  God,  and  will  greatly  facili- 
^te  our  endeavers;,  to  feek  and  frve  hi?n.. 


I  u   ] 

3d.  To  feek  God^  is  confcientioufly  to  cnclca* 
vor  after  a  conforynit')  to  his  lawy  or  to  itrive  with 
care  and  diligence  to  be  obedient  to  his  com-^ 
mands  and  precepts^  God  is  undoubtedly  to 
be  fought  in  a  way  of  obedience  ;  and  thofe 
who  are  not  diligently  careful  to  obferve,  pnd 
do  his  commandment Sy  but  on  the  contrary  follow 
the  diftat^s  of  their  own  carnal  and  corrupt 
hearts,  and  are  governed  by  the  falfe  maxiinsi 
of  a  vain  aqd  finfuj  world,  who  walk  in  the 
iva)  of  their  own  hearty,  and  the  Jight  of  their  own 
eyes^  fulfilling  th^  dcfres  of  the  flcfb  and  the  mind  z 
Suchs  befure,  have  no^right  to  the  charafter  of 
thofe  whp  are  fccking  God  in  an  acceptable 
luanner,  or  in  fuch  a  way  as  to  have  any  reafou 
to  expe<^t  to  meet  with  the  divine  approbation 
^nd  favor.  Jofiah  made  a  point  of  it,  to  obey 
the  God  of  David  his  father —rh^  made  his  laws, 
the  rule  and  meafure  of  his  conduct  ;  in  this 
way  he  became  judly  deferving  of  the  charac-^ 
ter  of  a  youth  that  fought  the  Lord<?  God  has 
juflly  required  the  obedience  of  his  rational 
creatures  :  But  fuch  is  the  weaknefs  and  de- 
generacy of  human  nature^,  that  perfeft  obe-» 
dience  ia  abfolutely  unattainable  in  the  prefent 
life  ;  yet  we  may  render  God,  even  in  this  im-t 
perfeft  ftate,  fuch  an  obedience,  as  he  will  gra-^ 
cioufly  accept,  and  account  himfelf  honored 
by — and  that  is  an  obedience  which  proceeds 
from  love  to  hini,  and  a  fincere  defire  to  pleafo 
and  glorify  him,  which  has  refpeft  to  his  v;iU 
and  authority,  and  which  extends  to  all  hi* 
cpmrnaudments,   ^ud  this  is   au    attainment 


[  H  ] 

which  thofe  that  are  young  mud  carncftly  en, 
deavor  atccr.  as  they  w  aid  be  numbered  with 
thofe  who  arc  lecking  God  aright. 
_  We  may  in  fome  inftances  d°o  that  which  is 
right,  or  agreeable  to  the  divine  law  in  itfeJf 
without  any  real  regard  to  the  divine  will  and 
authomy.-this,  my  young  friends,   is  not  to 
obey   God  m  an   acceptable  manner  ;   this  is 
wJwt  we  may  be  infiuenced  to  by  worldly  views, 
and  motives.-But  God  expefts  that   we  have- 
a  fpecial  regard  to  him,  in  all  our  acls  of  cbe- 
dience--our  fincere  enquiry,  therefore,  lliould; 
always  be    Lord  -what  -wih  tkou  have  me  to  do  P 
Teach  me  tvy   iva)  0  Lord^     ' 

A  religious  obedier.ce,  muftalfo  fpring  fromr 
a  hearty  and  iupreme  love  to  God.  It  is  pof-. 
iible  in  fome  inftances  fbr  thofe,  who  have  no 
true  fenfe  of  religion,  toha.c  a  .egard  to  God- 
m  their  aaions  ;  as  when  the  evil  avoided  is  of 
fuch  a  nature,  as  to  force  upoa  t1,e  confcicr.ce 
a  dread  of  the  intolerable  dilpleafure  of  God. 
When  perfons  are  under  conviftion  of  P,n     a 

evils  they  have  been  ufed  to  commit,  aP.d  ex- 
cite them,  perhaps  t©  many  good  actions  wJ.Jch 
before  they  had  left  undone  :  But  in  fech  cafes. 
they  are  inriuenced  by  a  fervile,  and  .,ot  an 
ingenous  ear  of  God,and  therefore  are  tiot  ac- 
cepted of  him  m  their  afts  of  obedience.  That 
obedience  which  God  accepts  proceeds  from 
love  to,  inftead  of  a  fia  vlfli  dre.d  of  him  ;  from 
%  Sincere  and  ardent  defirc  to  pleafe  him,  aud 


t     15     1 

from  a  convicflion  of  the  real  nminbknefs,  and 
excellence  of  holinefs. 

That  ohedience  which  God  accepts,  is  like* 
wife  tinive<'faL  There  are  many  who  would  be 
willing  to  obey  God  in  foirte  inftances,  if  they 
might  be  allowed  to  gratify  their  evil  pallions, 
and  defires  in  others  ;  But  fucha  partial  obedi- 
ence as  this  can't  be  well-pleafing  to  God™ as 
a  religious  obedience,  proceeds  from  love,  fo 
it  has  regard  to  the  whole  will  of  God. — Thety 
jhall  I  not  be  aPoamed  laid  the  Pfalmift  ^when  I  have 
refpeS  to  all  thy  commandments^  Thus  to  obey 
God  acceptably,  is  to  obferve  all  his  commands, 
and  fabmit  to  them,  from  a  principle  of  love 
to  God  and  holinefs,  and  with  a  fpecial  view- 
to  the  will  and  authority  of  God^  and  this  is 
what  thefe  who  are  young  muft  make  it  their 
care  and  ftudy  to  do,  as  they  would  approve 
therafelves  deierving  of  the  charafter  of  thofe 
who  2irc  fee  king  the  Lord.  But, 

4.  Seeking  God,  evidently  Implies,  the  addreffing 
of  ourfehes  to  him  in  pra-yr.  Prayer  is  a  duty, 
mod  ftrongly  enjoined  and  Jnculcated,  in  the 
facred  fcriptures  and  the  fuicablenefs,  and  pro- 
priety of  which  is  manifeftly  taught  us  by  reafon. 
This  is  one  of  the  capital  ways  offeeking  God. — 
Thofe  who  negiecl  prayer,can  therefore  haveno 
jufc  claim  to  the  cbaraftcr  of  fuch  who  truly  feek 
theLord.  Would  you  my  young  friends, approve 
yourfelves  worthy  of  this  character,  you  muft 
accuftom  yourfelves  to  devout,  fincere,  ardent 
and  humble  prayer  to  God. — This  is  a  duty, 
fpfalmii9,  6, 


^^hchis  nocloubt,miich  negleftedby  tiic  yotitH- 
How  many  young  pedple,  have  we  reafon  to 
fear,  there  are^who  live  iroin  day^  to  day,  with- 
out even  once  addreffing  thcmielves  to  God  iii 
prayer,  at  leaftj  without  approaching  him  in 
that  ejfcdual  fervent  prw^er^  which  avails  much  ? 
Such  will  do  well  to  remember>  that  they  are 
iiot,  whatever  they  may  imagine,  or  however 
they  may  flatter  themfelveS  to  the  contrary, 
feeking  the  Lord,  let  the  reft  of  their  character 
be  as  it  nlay  ;  if  they  arc  prayerlefsj  they  have 
no  part  or  lot,  in  true  religion,  prayer  is  a  moft 
effential  ingredient  in  feeking  Godi'—ThG  prac- 
tical language  of  every  prayerlefs  perfdn  toGod 
iSfdcpartf'ojn  m^Idefre  7iot  theknovjledge  ofth'j  ways. 

Finally,  tofeek  Ood,  is  to  attend  upon  hini 
ivith diligence  and  carCy  in  zllhisfacred infitutiofts. 
An  attendance  upon  God  in  facial  worfip,  i§ 
one  c^f  thofe  ways  in  which  he  expecls  we  feek 
him,  and  one  of  the  dlrecleft,  and  readieft 
%vays  to  find  hlm^  and  be  found  of  him.  What 
pretentions  then  can  be  made  by  thofe  whd 
'2icgie(!:\  the  focial  worfliip  of  God,  to  the  cha- 
racter of  thdfe  who  diligently  and  earneftly 
feek  hhu  ?  You  can^t  my  young  brethren  either 
according  to  reafon  or  the  fcriptures^  be  de- 
nominated feckers  of  God,  unlefs  you  love  the 
houfe  and  'ivorf?ip  of  God^  and  make  confcience 
©f  alTembling  yourfelves  together  with  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  for  the  pdrpofes  of  religious  and 
focial  worfliip. 

An  attendance  upon  God,  in  the  facred 
injlitution  of  the  fuppeVy  is  likewife  a  neceifary 
branch  oi feeking  God*  ^  And  this  is  a  way  in 


[  If 

which  youth  as  \vell  as  others  are  required  to 
feek  the  Lord.  Our  Lord  has  left  this  ordinance 
in  charge  to  all  his  foIIowcrs,without  Hmitatioii 
with  refpccT:  to  age  :  It  is  a  command  to  young, 
as  well  as  old,  do  this  in  remembrance  of  me^  and 
all  who  are  capable  of  underftanding  the  na- 
ture, and  defign  of  the  ordinance,  arc  obliged, 
even  by  the  facrcd  authority  of  Chrift,  to  com- 
ply with  it. — And  I  can  afTure  you  niy  friends,, 
that  a  compliance  with  it,  is  Hot  only  your  duty, 
but  your  honor  and  intercft.— While  you  neo-- 
lecl  fo  plain  and  evident  a  tommand  of  the 
gofpel,  and  even  of  Chrift  himfelf,  you  have 
reafon  to  fear  you  are  deftitute  of  all  real  and 
true  religion,  and  fo  have  no  part,  nor  lot  with 
fuch  as  are  in  a  proper  mzxixi^v  jeeking  the  Lord^ 
I  proceed  now, 

2  To  mention  fbme  cbhfiderations,  Tuitable 
and  proper  to  influence  and  engage  thofe  who 
are  young  to  a  compliance  with  the  duty  re- 
commended in  the  text,   or  to  begin  the  work 

of  feeking  God  in   youth.  And 

ifl:.  They  may  confider,  that  to  hegtn  to  feek 
the  Lord  while  young,  is  no  more  than  what  God 
has,  abfolutely,  and  expreflly,  required  of  tlicm, 
and  commanded  them  to  do— Remember  thy 
Creator,  in  the  days  of  thy  youth.^  God  has  not 
left  it  to  the  mere  choice  of  the  youth,  whe- 
ther they  (hMfeek  or  remember  him,  or  not,  but 
he  has  laid  his  authority  upon  them,  in  this 
matter.  Pie  has  commanded  them  thus  to  do. 
And  are  you  not  afraid  to  oppofc  and  coua* 


[     i8     ] 

teraft  the  authority  of  the  great  God  >  PFho-^ 
ever  hardened  himfelf  againjl  him,  and  profpered  ? 
The  confideration,  that  you  are  obUgcd  by 
the  authority  of  God,  to  feek  himy  methinks^ 
liiuft,  if  duly  weighed,  excite  you  to  an  early 
fearch  after  him.  He  who  has  an  abiblute 
right  to  your  obedience,  and  who  is  perfectly 
able  to  puiiifli  you  if  you  refufe  to  obey  him^ 
has  required  you  to  feck  him  :  ancl  who  of  you 
in  f^jrioiis  coiiilderatloii,  can  dare  to  refufe  a 
conipliance  with  a  demand  of  the  Dreaa  Ma^ 
jejlj  of  Heaven  and  Earth  ? 

2  Thoie  \\\\o  are  young  may  confidef,  that 
^iouihis  the  fitteji  and  heft  time  to  begin  to  feck  God 
in,  and  be  influenced  without  delay,  to  en- 
gage in  this  important  work.  Youth  is  proper 
fccd-thne  whicn  muft  not  be  neglefted  or  mif- 
improved.  This  is  a  feaion  which  ought  to  be 
improved  with  peculiar  care  and  diligence* 
The  foul,  will  not  Viq  fallow  :  good  or  evil  will 
fprlng  iTp  therein— if  our  minds  and  hearts  are 
not  cultivated  by  religioOj  fin  and  vice  w^ill 
get  poffeffion  of  thciTA  :  It  is  therefore  higlily 
important  for  us,  in  oiu*  re?2der  yean,  while 
young,  to  have  them  replenifeed  with  the 
k:ioudedge  ^.ndfeaf  of  the  Lord,  feafoned  by  di- 
vine grace,  and  moulded  by  the  imprefTions  of 
piety  and  religion. 

Youth  is  on  every  account,  the    nioft  fuita- 
bk  arid  proper  time   to  begin  the    bufinefs  of 
religion  in.      We  are  then  beft    able   to    refill 
and  withftand  the  difficulties  of  the  work,  afid 
furmount  the  hardfhips  that  attend  it.     Age 


renders  pcrfons  unfit  for  lahor  and  conflifi^\\\n\Q 
youth  is  the  meridian  of  ftrength  and  vigor /^ 
J  write  ttnto  ^ou  ^joimg  mcUy  (fays  the  Apoitle) 
hecaiife  ye  arejirong,  an  d  have  overcome  the  wicked 
one. 

Youth  IS  a  period,  in  which  we  are  not  or^ 
dinarily  fo  much  entangled  in  the  buiinefs  and 
concerns  of  the  world,  as  we  are  in  more  ad- 
vanced years— -Corrupt  principles  and  habits, 
cannot  be  fo  deeply  rooted  in  us,  and  have  fo 
ftrong  hold  of  us  as  they  too  often  have  in  age. 
It  muft  therefore  be  important,  and  moil  i\u- 
table  for  us  to  begin  to  fcek  the  Lord  while  '^oimg. 

3  Thofc  who  are  young,  may  confider,  and 
be  influenced  to  engage  without  delay  in 
the  work  of  religion  or  feeking  God,  that  ear-^ 
ly  piety  f  is  peculiarly  pleafuig  to  Gody  and  I  ant  fail  ^ 
of  being  rezvardcd  with  his  (pedal  love  and  friend^ 
Jhip.  God  is  greatly  delighted  in  beholding 
thofe  who  are  young  engaged  in  and  devoted 
to  his  fervice— w^//^/>/g  2//  his  flatiitcsy  and  making 
religion  the  guide  of  their  lives  :  and  fuch  may 
depend  upon  having  the  bleffing  and  favor  of 
Heaven.  They  will  be' profnered  with  rcfpctfc 
to  this  world,  as  far  as  is  confirtent  v/\x\\ 
their  fpiritual  interefts  ;  for  godlinefs  hath  the 
promife  of  the  life  that  now  is,  f  hut  wiiatever 
their  outward  lot  and  circumftanccs  may  be, 
their  inward  pcac€  and  comfort  will  be  fecure, 
and  they  will  have  a  never  failing  title  to  the 
joys   of  God's  prefence.  But, 

4  Another  important  eonflderation,  which 
I  mud  lay  before  you,  is,  youth -may  he- the  only^ 

•  John  z,  14.  t  Tim.  4  S. 


opportunit-j,  ivhich  ^ou  ivill  ever  have,  tofcek  G^^ 
in.  This  ought  powerfully  to  inHuence  yoa 
immediately  to  engage  in  the  work  of  your 
Ibuis,  or  the  bufinefs  of  religion.     Tlic  sreat- 

CD  O 

eil  pare  of  mankind,  die  in  youth,  or  before 
this  period  is  palTed.  Young  perfons  arc,  no 
doubt,  as  liable  to  ficknefs  and  difeafes, /^vhich 
are  the  harbingers  of  death,  and  to  mortal 
and  fatal  accidents  as  others^  Many,  who 
l^iave  promiltd  themfelves,  a  long  life  of  plca- 
ibrc  in  the  ways  of  frn,  atid  flattered  themfelves 
with  the  notion  of  making  amends  for  all  their 
offence  againfl  God,  by  living  in  fin,  by  a  fu- 
ture repentance,  have  had  their  days  numhered 
in  youth,  and  fb  been  fatally  djfappolnted. 
It  is  well  known,  that  the  youth  are  too  apt  to 
put  off  the  work  of  feeking  God,  'till  a  future 
period',  prefuming  that  they  have  many  days, 
and  years,  yet  to  come,  and  that  God  wilf  in- 
dulge them,  with  future  opportunities  to  feek 
'M^A  ferve  him,  and  fecure  thelalvatian  of  their 
fouls  iur— But  this  their  way,  h  their  folly-  : 
It  muft  be  the  higheit  degree  of  imprudence, 
to  delay  in  matters  of  ilich  moment  and  impar- 
tance  ;  efpecially  when  it  is  abfolutely  uncer- 
tain, whedier  any  opportunities  but  the  pre- 
fent  will  be  gran^ted  in  order  to  the  accom- 
pliiliment  of  the m^  Thofewho  are  young,  as 
"well  as  others,  are  wholly  uncertain,  as  to  the 
continuance  of  their  lives.  7Jjis  ?iigbt  the  fouls 
of  )oiiih  novj  alive  before  God,  nia'j  be  required  of 
the:}!.  Isow  you  have  an  opportunity  afforded 
you,  for  feeking  God  ;  but  whether  you  wilt 
cyer  be  indulged  witU  uuotherj  wuhrci]^£d  tc^ 


I  21  ] 
you,  IS  ail  abfoliite  uncertainty,  Go^^;^/y  knowj^ 
You  are  now  alive,  and  have  all  needed  ad- 
vantages in  order  to  yourfecking  the  Lord- 
but  ill  a  (hort  time  you  may  be  called  to  the 
grave,  where  is  no  worky  nor  device^  ivifdom^  nor 
Inowlcdge^-'^yVhere  all  opportunities  and  ad- 
vantages forlerving  God,  and  lecuring  the  fal- 
vatioa  of  your  fouls,will  forever  ceafe.  We  can 
never  engage  in  religion  too  foon,  tho'  we  may 
eafily  defer  it  top  long,  and  fo  be  miferable  be- 
yond recovery,  and  beyond  exfrejpori.  It  is 
therefore  the  wifdam  of  all  to  make  it  their  firft 
andearlieft  bufinefs  and  concern. 

Laftly^  In  order,  that  thofe  who  are  young 
niay  be  influenced  to  engage  in  the  work  of 
feeking  God,  without  befitancy,  or  delay. 
They  may  confider,  ihat  by.  early  fiety^  they 
may  be  freed  ffo^i  the  bitterncfs  and  forrovj  of 
a  late  repentance ,  (if  it  fliould  pleafe  God,  when 
they  are  grown  old  in  fin,  to  give  t;hem  repen^ 
tarice  tmto  life,)  By  feeking  God,,  or  becoming; 
religious  in  youth,  many  heinous  fi,ns,  are  pre- 
vented, which  otherwife,  would  have  been  com- 
mitted, all  which  would  make  work  for  repen^* 
tancc.  The  more  fin  we  have  committed  the 
greater  mull  our  grief  and  forrow,  neceflarily 
be  when  wc  are  brought  to  true  repen- 
tance. The  young  finner's  repentance  is 
light  and  eafy  when  compared,  with  that  of 
the  ipicked  old  man.  What  bitternefs  and  an- 
guifli  mufl  neceflarily  arife  in  the  mind  of  oioe 
who  has  fpent  along  life,  in  the  fervice  cf  fin,," 
when  he  is  brought  to  a  juft  fenfe  of  his  flate  f 

*  Eccl.  9,  I©, 


[       2.2       ] 

How  mufl  he  mourn  ovex'  the  Io?ig  catalogue  of 
his  fins,  and  violations  of  God's  law  ?  How  will 
he  be  grieved  to  think  of  the  many  precious  ad- 
vantages,   and    opportunities  for  the  work  of. 
God  and  his  foul,  which  he  has  wafted  and  loft  ? 
What  anguifh  niiiit   wreck  his  foul,    when  he 
confidcrs  how  much  time  he  has  fpcnt,  in  dif- 
honoring  God,  and  fervinghis  own  carnal  lufis 
zndpa(fions\"'T\\o  remembrance  of  thefe  things 
will  be  very  bitter  and  grievous  to  him.     Now, 
this  mifery  may  be  prevented,  by    our  begin- 
ning to    feek   the  Lord   luhile   "joimg.      Indeed, 
there  is  a  bitternefs  which    neccfTarUy  attends 
repentance,  at  whatever  age   we  may  be  bro't 
to  it  :  the  young  (inner  cant'  repent    without 
fighs  and  moaiis  and  bitternefs  of  foul  :  but  then 
bis  grief  and    ibrrow  in  the  review  of  his   fins 
cant  be  equal  to  that  of.the  aged  finner  when 
he  is  brought  to  repentance,  who  has  a    long 
courfe  of  fin  to  reflect  on.      The  bitternefs  of 
repentance  if  it  be  true  and  fincere,  will  be  in 
proportion  to  the  number  and  aggravation  of 
our  crimes, 

Thus,  my  young  friends,  I  have  endeavored* 
•with  great  flaitiefs  to  open  to  you  the  naturd 
Qffeekmg  the  Lord,  and  have  laid  before  you  con- 
llderations,  fuitablc  and  proper  to  influence 
you  to, engage  in  this  important  work,  ///  youths 
Let  me  entreat  you,  to  make  a  clofe  and  parti- 
cular application  of  what  you  have  heard.  Be 
perfuadcd,  to  examine  your  hearts  and  lives^ 
jind  fee,  whether  you  are  indeed  feeking  God* 
And  don't  think  it  fafe  to  content  yourfelves, 
•while  you  arc  not,    with  care   and    dili^ence^ 


1 

fcudyitig  the  knowledge  of  God — while  you 
are  deftitute  of  an  intcreft  in  Chrift^  by  faith-— 
while  you  live  in  difobediencc  to  any  of  the 
known  commands  of  God— ^and  negled:  a  con- 
fcientious  attendance  upon  him>  in  his  facred 
inftitutions.— It  is  indeed,  matter  of  grief>  and 
lamentation,  tliat  fo  many  of  the  fifing  gene- 
ration, difcovcr  fo  much  indifference,  about 
fceking  the  Lord,  in  the  Ways  of  his  appioint** 
mcnt— that  the  youth,  are  fo  generally  inclined 
to  walk  in  the  wa^j  of  their  own  hearts^  and  in  the 
fight  of  their  own  eyes^  to  the  negleft,  and  Cou-^ 
tempt  of  the  laws,    and  precepts  of  God. 

Notwithftanding  the  great  advantages,which 
they  enjoy,  how  few  conparatively  appear, 
heartily  engaged  in  the  bullnefs  of  religion  ? 
How  few,  appear  willing  to  renounce  theplea- 
furcs  .of  fin,  and  mortify  their  lufts  and  defires? 
VVith  refpeft  to  the  j^outh,  how  docs  iniquity, 
inftead  of  true  piety ^  abound  among  us  ?  How 
few  are  found  6'//^/^/r/;/'g  the  way  to  T^ion^  with 
their  faces  thitherward?  \\^o\Y  ready  on  the  con- 
trary, are  the  youth  in  general,  to  runlnto  the 
"ways  of  wickedncft,  thofe  paths  that  lead  down 
to  the  ehiUnbers  ofdeath  P  And  how  many  of  the 
rifing  generation,  are  there,  who  though  they 
may  not  be  openly  vicious  and  profanCy  want  the 

cfleriti^t  evidences  of  feeking  God Who    are 

ftrangcrs  to  the  new  birth,  and  the  principles 
of  true  piety,  and  godliijefs  ?  When  we  take  a 
view  of  the  youth  in  general,  fee  how  they  are 
inclined,  and  what  the  tenor  of  their  conduft 
andconverfation  is  f  wecan'tbut  be  convinced, 
that  theleflcrpart  onjy-arc  to  be  numbered  with, 


I  H  i 

,and  Iiitkled  to  the  felicity  of  thofe  who  are  |3ro'i' 
perly  concerned,  to  feek,  and  fcrve  the  Lord. 
.  There  are  fome^  (blelTcd  be  God)  Avho,  not- 
withdanding  the  general  corruption  of  the 
youth,  manifeft  a  real  regard  for  religion,  and 
appear  engaged,  in  the  work  offifckingGod  This 
is  a  conlideration^  that  muft  adminifter  great 
comfort,  and  joy,  to  all  who  wifli  well  to  Zion^ 
and  are  concerned  for  the  advancement,  of  the 
Kedcemer's  kingdom  in  the  worlds  The  inte- 
Jrefts  of  religion^  very  much  depend  upon  its 
being  kindly  received,  and  embraced  by  the 
youthi  This  ought  ever  to  be  remembered  by 
parents,  and  fuch  as  have  the  care  and  inftruc- 
tion  of  youth,  committed  to  them,— -and  this 
confideration  ought  mod  powerfully  to  influ- 
ance  them, to  ufe  the  grcateft  care  and  diligence, 
in  inflruc^ing  them  in  the  knowledge  and  fear  of 
the  Lord.  When  parents,  and  thofe  who  have 
the  care  of  youth,  negleft  to  inftruft  them  in 
the  duties  of  religion,  they  arc  ftriking  at  the 
root  of  religion,  as  well  as  greatly  injuring  the- 
fouls  that  are  committed  to  their  truft. 

It  is  a  happy  confideration^  th^t  amidft  ;ill 
the  degeneracy  of  the  times,the  ancient  religi- 
ous Societies  of  youngMen,^re  upheld  among  us. 
That  there  are  fliil  fo  many  who  are  willing  to 
own  a  regard  for  the  interefts  of  religion,  while 
it  is- fo  generally  difregarded  and  contemned 
by  the  youth.  Such  focieties,  are  indeed  worthy 
a  particular  fliare  in  the  affeflion  of  all  good 
tuen.— -They  are  honorable—They  are  greatly 
ornimental  to  religion— and  tend  much  to  the 
;a$Jvancemc:ntpf  its  dignity  and  interefts.   Let 


iriy  young  bretjiren,   however,  be   cautioned/ 
not  to  reft  in  their  charader  alone,  and  truft  to 
that  for  the  divine  acceptance  and  approbation. 
Your  uniting  j^ourfelveb  for  the  purpofeof  God's 
worfliip  and  fervice,  is  indeed,  a  good  evidence 
that  you  are  fceking  the  Lord  ;  but  this  does  not 
prove  that    you   are    heartily   engaged   in  the 
caufe  of  religion,   and  have   entered  into   the 
fpunt  of  it— and  unlefs  this  is  the  cafe,  not\yith- 
Ilanding  your  Qiew  and  appearance  of  religion  ; 
you  may  not  expecl  to  be   accepted,    and  ap- 
proved of  God.    You  mud  not  only,  have  the 
form,  but  experience  the  power  of  godlinefs,  as 
you  would  Willi  for  the  divine  approbation,  and 
have  a  title  to  the  happy  fruits  of  God's  fovor. 
You  will  then  bear  it,coritinually,  in  mind,  that 
to  get  interejlcd  in  Chriji,  bj  faith--t6  have  pur  fouls 
fanaified  by  the  Holy  Ghofi'-and  to  have  the  love  of 
God,  fied  abroad  in  your  hearts,  is  the  foundation 
of  all  true  piety,  and  without  AVhich,  the  moil 
fpccious  pretenfions    to  religion   are  vain.      I 
do  not  indeed  fufpeft  your  fincere  and  pious 
views,    in  the  profelTion  which   you  make.— I 
only  caiition  you,  in  love,  to  fufpeft  yourfelves, 
and  fo  guard  againft  that,  which  fpoils  the  moft 
fplended  profeffions,    and  renders  the  greatell 
ihew  of  godlinefs,  defpicable    and   odious,    in 
the  fight  of  God--/z  -want  offmcerity,  and  a  prin- 
ciple of  grace  and  holinefs,  in  the  foul.      Be  guided 
by  thefe,  and  you   can   not  fail    of  being  ac- 
cepted of  God,  in  your  focial  ads  of  piety  an4 
religion,  and  in  all  the  branches   of  duty,  ia 
which  you  engage— And  noza  brethren,   I  recom- 
mend you  unto  God,  who  is  able  to  build  you  up,  and 
pve  you  an  inheritance  among  thofc  that  arefanaifed.^ 


r   26   J 

To  CONCLUDE,   Lec  all   the   youth  prefent, 
be  cxorted  to  engage  hi  the  work  of  religion, 
rnd  hcyi't   to  jjek    tb:  LorsL      0  !    remember    your 
Creator,    now  in  the  day  of  jour  youth.      Let  not 
the  firft,  iii^-cl  heft  of  your  days  be  fpent  in  the 
ways  of  fin,    and   fervice   of  carnal  lafh,    and 
dellres  ;  but  let  religion  be  your  principal  and 
firil  care,  let  it  be   the  guide    of  your    youth. 
Thhik  it  for  your  honor,  think  it  for  yonr  in- 
tered,   to  be  governed  by  its  lavv's  and  dictates. 
Let    not    this    precious  feafon,    this  important 
period  of  life  be  neglected  or  mifpent ;  but  moft 
carefully  and  diligently  improved  by  you.   Give 
into  God  your  M?;7j"— render  him  the  obedience 
of  your  foals,    now   while  your  fervice  will  be 
niofl  acceptable,   and  pleafing  to  him,    no  v  in 
the  morning  of  life.  Do  not  for  your  fouls  fake, 
d?lay  the  work  of  religion,   to  more  advanced 
age—do    ipt  imagine,   that  you  can  flifely  put 
it  olf,  to  a  more  convenle-it  f:af»a — do  not  flatter 
ycurfelves,   that  it  will  be  time  enough  for  you 
to  pleafe  God,  when  age  arrives,   or  thofe  days 
in    wluch   ye    yourfelves/  ^/j,7 /'.'Z'u^   no  pleafurc, 
Couiider    that  the    v/ork  of  religion  in  (lead  of 
growing  eafier  andeaiier  by  delays,  will  grow 
more   and  more  difricult  and   hard  to  be   per- 
fjrm.^d.— -The  longer  you  are  eftranged,    and 
alienated  from  God,   the  more  averfe  and  indii- 
pofed,   will  you  be  to  return    unto  him.      The 
jirength  and  power  of  iin  v/ill    grov/    and  in- 
crea(e  within  you,   and  your   hearts    contrad: 
ti  hs^rdnefs  which  will  not  be  eafdy  imprelTed. 
Think  it,  therefore  important  for  you,  now  t© 


(    27    ) 

engage  in  religion — fcek  the  Lord  now  while 

he  ma)  be  founds  call  upon  him  while  he  is  near.  The 
whole  of  your  lives,  is  not  too  long,  to  ferve 
God  and  your  fouls  in,  do  not  then  think  of 
deferring  the  important  concerns  of  your  fouls, 
and  religion,  ^till  your  time  is  further  wafted, 
and  your  lives  draw  nearer  to  a  clofe. — But  to 
day, while  it  is  called  to  day,  break  off  from  your  fms^ 
accept  of  an  offered  Saviour  y  and  devote  your  bodies  and 
fpirits  unto  God.  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time^ 
now  is  the  day  of  falvation.  I  clofe  with  the  words 
of  the  wife  man,  *  My  fon,  if  thou  wilt  receive  my 
words,  and  hide  my  commandments  with  thee  :  So 
that  thou  incline  thine  ear  unto  wifdom,  and  apply 
thine  heart  to  underjlanding  :  2^ea,  if  thou  criejl 
after  knowledge,  and  Ufteft  up  thy  voice  for  under^ 
Jlanding  :  Jf  thou  feekejl  her  as  ft  her,  and  fear chefi 
for  her  as  for  hid  treafures  :  Thenfmlt  thou  under- 
(land  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  find  the  knowledge 
9f  God. 

A    M     E    N, 

*^  Prov,  2.  J,  At  the  beginning. 


